When Grace Gleeson gave birth to her daughters at Beaudesert Hospital, she never imagined she would one day return to work there.
Now the newest member of the team, Grace has come full circle, supporting the same community that once cared for her family.
The Administration Officer brings more than a decade of healthcare experience to her new role supporting patients through the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS).
In her new position as Patient Travel Officer, no two days look the same. Alongside processing PTSS claims, Grace spends much of her time helping patients navigate what can be an overwhelming period in their lives.
“Many of our patients are travelling long distances for specialist care, and the paperwork can feel confusing,” she said. “Being able to sit with someone, listen to their situation and help them navigate the process in a calm and caring way is incredibly rewarding.”
The role plays a particularly important part in the Beaudesert community. As a regional area within the Scenic Rim, many residents need to travel outside the region to access specialist services. The Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme helps ensure financial barriers don’t prevent people from receiving the care they need.
“By guiding patients through the process and making sure claims are correct and processed efficiently, I’m able to play a small but meaningful part in keeping healthcare fair and accessible for local families,” she said. “In a close-knit community like Beaudesert, that really matters.”
Having lived locally for seven years, Grace feels a strong connection to the community she now serves. Looking back, she says it feels special to be working in the same hospital where her daughters were born.
“I didn’t know then that I’d one day be working here,” she reflected. “It makes it even more meaningful to be part of the team now and to give back to the community that has given so much to my family.”